Samambaia · Indonesia · 12D11N
Embark on an epic dive adventure from the critter-rich waters of East Flores to the exhilarating currents of Komodo National Park. This journey showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Lesser Sunda Islands, beginning with world-class muck diving in Maumere Bay, a paradise for macro photographers. The voyage continues west, transitioning to the vibrant reefs and volcanic seascapes of the Flores Sea before entering the legendary Komodo region. Here, you'll experience adrenaline-pumping drift dives at iconic sites like The Cauldron and Batu Bolong, encounter majestic manta rays at dedicated cleaning stations, and come face-to-face with the prehistoric Komodo dragon during a guided land trek. With a mix of pelagic action, pristine coral gardens, and rare macro life, this itinerary offers a complete and unforgettable Indonesian diving experience.
Arrive in Maumere where crew members will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the vessel. After an initial general dive briefing, you'll move to Pulau Babi where an easy and protected check dive will be conducted. This dive focuses on ensuring your gear and buoyancy are correctly set, with guides checking equipment and no skill demonstrations required.
The morning begins with three dives in the Pulau Raja area, featuring stunning walls adorned with good coral growth and overhangs. After the dives, the vessel will begin its journey towards Komodo National Park. Snorkeling is also a good option here.
Today marks the arrival in the northern part of the renowned Komodo National Park. Dives are planned at famous sites like 'Crystal Rock' and 'Castle Rock', known for sharks, jacks, and schooling fish. The strong currents here fuel abundant marine life. The day includes two more world-class dives at sites such as 'The Golden Passage' and 'The Cauldron' or 'Lighthouse', showcasing Komodo National Park's diverse offerings.
Dive sites: Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, The Golden Passage, The Cauldron, Lighthouse
Today marks the arrival in the northern part of the renowned Komodo National Park. Dives are planned at famous sites like 'Crystal Rock' and 'Castle Rock', known for sharks, jacks, and schooling fish. The strong currents here fuel abundant marine life. The day includes two more world-class dives at sites such as 'The Golden Passage' and 'The Cauldron' or 'Lighthouse', showcasing Komodo National Park's diverse offerings.
Dive sites: Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, The Golden Passage, The Cauldron, Lighthouse
Spend the entire day within the national park at Banta Island. Dive sites here include 'Banta Wall', known as 'The Rollercoaster' for its spectacular wall and currents, offering a safe and satisfying dive. Grey Reef Sharks and other big pelagics are often seen. A favorite spot here is a secret manta cleaning station. In the evening, enjoy a sunset trek up a hill for panoramic views over the bay and the volcanic silhouette of Sangeang, followed by a night dive on a sandy slope, perfect for stargazing.
Dive sites: Banta Wall
Today, the journey heads south through the National Park, exploring dive sites like 'Sebaya Kecil'. The day's highlight is a drift dive at 'Tatawa Besar', which ranks among the top 5 favorite night dive spots in Indonesia, according to the Cruise Director. Expect vibrant reef life and exhilarating currents.
Dive sites: Sebaya Kecil, Tatawa Besar
An exciting morning awaits with a trek on Rinca Island to spot Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, accompanied by park rangers. This adventure is followed by diving in the southern part of Rinca, known as Nusa Kode or Horseshoe Bay. The waters here are cooler (down to 23°C) and visibility can vary from May to October. This area is rich in critters like Ambon scorpionfish, rhinopias, frogfish, and octopus. A common sight on the beach is sea eagles, deer, and wild boar.
Enjoy three more dive opportunities in the Horseshoe Bay area of Nusa Kode. Favorite dive sites here include 'Cannibal Rock', 'The Yellow Wall of Texas', 'Devil's Corner', and 'Torpedo Alley'. In the afternoon, the vessel will move to Pantar for spectacular macro and muck diving. This area is known for starry night octopus, frogfish, and rare nudibranchs.
Dive sites: Cannibal Rock, The Yellow Wall of Texas, Devil's Corner, Torpedo Alley
Today is dedicated to big pelagic encounters at 'Manta Alley', a perfect place to see manta rays, sharks, giant trevally, and groupers, among others. Another preferred spot is 'Germang Flag'. After lunch, the vessel moves to Padar Island, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Komodo National Park from a spectacular trek to the summit.
Dive sites: Manta Alley, Germang Flag
Working your way back north, the day involves exploring secret spots and popular dive sites in Central Komodo. Potential dive sites for the day include 'Batu Bolong' and 'Manta Point', offering diverse marine life and vibrant reef ecosystems.
Dive sites: Batu Bolong, Manta Point
The last day of diving is spent at two small islands, Pulau Sabolan and Seraja, featuring nice dive sites with resident schools of bumphead parrotfish and garden eels in the sandy bottom. Colorful soft corals are also abundant. Depending on your flight schedule for the next day, you may have one or two dives in the morning. In the afternoon, wakeboarding and kayaking to the beach are available.
Depending on your flight schedule, the crew will check your luggage in advance so you can relax on board. You will then be shuttled to Labuan Bajo airport when your plane is ready to depart.